NOW EXPERIENCING:5 American whiskeys for when you’re ready to take the next step
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5 American whiskeys for when you’re ready to take the next step

Read time 4 Mins

Posted 27 Oct 2022

By
Lara Chan-Baker

A range of versatile American whiskeys

Sweet, smoky, fruity and fine – these next-level whiskeys have flavour for days.

Contrary to what Mad Men would have you believe, whiskey is not reserved for rich men in suits, puffing cigars. There’s a wild world of whiskey out there, with as many styles and flavour profiles as your little heart desires. 

Today we focus on American whiskey – a sort that’s rightfully secured its place on the map. For many, a classic American bourbon or rye is their first dip into these tasty, golden waters, but as time passes and your tastes evolve, you might find yourself reaching for something with a bit more oomph. While there’s zero shame in appreciating the classics (we pay our respects to Mariah Carey on the daily), there’s no denying that warm, fuzzy feeling that comes from pouring yourself something new.

So, when you’re ready to graduate from whiskey 101, here are five winners for the open mind (and mouth) to enjoy.

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1. Basil Hayden’s Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

The bottle alone is a treat, but it’s what’s inside that gets us excited. It’s what’s known as a ‘small batch’ bourbon, where whiskey is handpicked from a select number of barrels and combined to create the ideal final blend. Now, small batch whiskey is nothing unusual – you’ll find plenty with this label – but what makes this one special is its rye content and the flavour that it brings to the party. Long story short, bourbon is always made from at least 51% corn, but when Basil Hayden Sr started distilling his namesake drink in 1796, he mixed in a good chunk of rye and they still do to this day. With rich hints of peppermint, notes of pepper and subtle citrus overtones, it’s stellar on its own, or shaken into a Mint Julep.

2. Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey

Ain’t no mountain high enough to keep Buffalo Trace from making whiskey. This old-school distillery has been brewing and bottling their outstanding bourbon for over two centuries, through prohibition and world wars, and that experience pays off. They’ve been awarded ‘Distillery of the Year’ not once, not twice, not even thrice, but a whopping seven times. This Kentucky straight bourbon whiskey is one that punches far above its price tag, making it the ideal sipper AND cocktail base. If we put on our whiskey connoisseur hat, we get hits of mint, brown sugar and tangy apples. Basically sugar, spice and all things nice. But no matter what hat you’re wearing, this winner is well worth a spin.

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Click image to shop

3. Jim Beam Black Extra-Aged Bourbon

Hold up, we’re not done with Kentucky yet. Look, you’ve probably had Jim Beam before, but this version is more refined. If you like the overall flavour of whiskey, but struggle with the intensity some of them have going down, this might be what you’ve been waiting for. This delivers a great big uppercut of flavour – think caramel, nutmeg and an alluring smokiness – while still being smoother than Vin Diesel’s oiled-up head. That ‘Extra-Aged’ label means it’s been stewing away for six years, rather than the minimum two, giving it a fuller flavour without the shock.

4. Rollins Tennessee 7YO Small Batch

Take a drive over the state border and you’ll find yourself in Tennessee – Kentucky’s counterpart in famous homes of American whiskey. This is a seven-year-old, small batch, sour mash, Tennessee whiskey from Rollins. Try saying that 10 times fast. But what does it mean? The first two are easy. As for sour mash, that refers to a particular fermentation process, used to bestow a sweeter, deeper flavour to the final product. And the Tennessee part, well of course it’s made there, but that also means it’s been filtered through stacks of charcoal right before barrelling, stripping a whiskey of its harshness and amping up the smoothness. Anyway, the point of all this is that this drink is delicious – it’s an easy sipper that tastes like cinnamon, cloves and butterscotch – and it’s also limited edition, so try it before it’s gone.

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Click image to shop

5. Bulleit Rye Small Batch Frontier Whiskey 700mL

Alright, alright, we’ve given bourbon a lot of love today, so let’s switch lanes to another Southern belle that demands our attention. This right here is a rye whiskey, meaning it was made with (you guessed it) rye. Now, to call oneself a rye, you’ve got to be made up of at least 51% of the stuff, but this takes the cake, the plate, and the spoon too, at a full 95%. Rye whiskeys are known for their capital S spiciness, and this certainly fits the bill. But move past that and take in the thick layers of vanilla, cherries and honey. All three deserve Best Supporting Actor awards as far as we’re concerned.
For ideas on how to mix American whiskey in cocktails, check out our growing collection of recipes and our round-up of some favourite whiskey-based drinks.  
Shop related products
Basil Hayden'sKentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 700mL
Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 700mL
$78.99 Each
 
Buffalo TraceBourbon 700mL
Bourbon 700mL
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Jim BeamBlack Extra-Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 700mL
Black Extra-Aged Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey 700mL
$57.95 Each
 
RollinsTennessee 7YO Small Batch Whiskey 700mL
Tennessee 7YO Small Batch Whiskey 700mL
$85.99 each
 
BulleitRye Small Batch Frontier Whiskey 700mL
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Rye Small Batch Frontier Whiskey 700mL
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$71 per bottle Non-Member: $78.99 each
 
Authour image
Lara Chan-BakerWine lover, crumbed food-appreciator, and Editor in Chief at Dan's Daily.
Tags
Hit ListAmerican WhiskeySpiritsWhisk(e)y
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